SSB 5104

SSB 5104

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Expanding the applied baccalaureate degree pilot program.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Tom, Rockefeller, Shin, Oemig, Berkey, Brandland, Fairley, Pflug, Delvin, Rasmussen, Kohl-Welles, Keiser, Zarelli, Prentice, Eide, Kline, Hobbs, Clements and Kilmer).

Background:

In 2005, the Legislature authorized the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
(SBCTC) to select four applied Baccalaureate degree pilot programs at community or technical
colleges. Six colleges submitted proposals. Bellevue Community College, Olympic College,
Peninsula College, and South Seattle Community College were selected as the sites for the pilot
projects. Colleges began planning for program development in 2006. Upper division students
began enrolling in the programs in the fall of 2007.

Institutions typically develop the applied Baccalaureate pathways for graduates of community
and technical colleges who have earned professional/technical Associate in Applied Science
degrees. The applied Baccalaureate degrees generally fall under two categories:

same field studied in the applied associate degree. Examples include nursing and engineering

technology; and

   technical workers who have either earned an applied associate degree or are engaged in a
   specific applied field. Examples include allied health management or social service
   management.

The SBCTC selected the participating institutions based upon: (1) their capacity to commit
resources; (2) their ability to engage faculty to develop and deliver the curriculum; (3) the
demand for the programs in their service area; (4) the cost-effectiveness for students; (5) and
whether the program filled a gap in options offered by a public four-year institution in the
geographic area.

The 2007-09 biennial budget authorized the SBCTC to select two additional pilots, one of which
had to be a technical college.

Summary of Bill:

By June 2008, the SBCTC will select up to two colleges to develop and offer applied
Baccalaureate degree programs. At least one selected college must be a technical college. The
SBCTC will use the same criteria as used in the initial applied Baccalaureate degree pilot.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee